When questioned about the deal, Wenger told a news conference: "I respect Manchester United because they generate the money they pay to the players with their own resources so you have to respect that.

"After that it's down to them to know how much they want to give to the player. Overall, United are a club very well managed financially and of course as well on the pitch so that's why I don't have any problems with the money they pay."

Wenger's comments appear to be a dig at City, who have been penalised by UEFA in the past for violating financial fair play rules.

City, funded by the Abu Dhabi United Group since their 2008 takeover, had easily the highest net transfer spend in the 2016 fiscal year at €199m, a UEFA report revealed this week. City also have the highest cumulative net transfer cost over the previous six years, just ahead of United.

City also have Europe's highest value of players in their balance sheet at €362 million, UEFA said, but United are set to make Sanchez the highest-paid player in the Premier League should the deal go through.

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